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By Bjorn Fehrm

August 14, 2025, © Leeham News: We analyze Airbus’s A330-900, the larger of the A330neos. Last week, we examined the product improvements that Airbus will roll out in the coming years, including the latest increase in Maximum TakeOff Weight (MTOW) and the resulting increase in range.

The A330 entered the market as a mid-range aircraft. With the launch of the A330neo and subsequent improvements, it is today a long-range aircraft that covers several trans-Pacific trunk routes.

How does the improved A330-900 stack up against the efficiency of the Boeing 787-9? We use our Aircraft Performance and Cost Model (APCM) to find out.

Figure 1. The A330-900 in the colors of Delta Airlines, a major operator of the model. Source: Airbus.

Summary:

• The Airbus A330 is tested on a challenging route, LAX to Shanghai, versus Boeing's perhaps best long-ranger, the 787-9.
• Where Airbus can't match the efficiency and cargo capacity of a 20-year younger 787-9, it can compensate with lower capital costs.